The word "hydroponics" is derived from two Greek words: cidra, meaning water, and punikos, meaning labor; thus, literally "waterworks." Contrary to popular belief, hydroponic gardening is an ancient form of agriculture, going back 3,000 years. There are references to the cultivation of plants directly in water in Egyptian records dating back to the time of the New Kingdom and the "Woman-King," Pharoah Hatshepsut around 1460 BCE.